BFA in Art

In the aftermath of the U.S. Civil War, Ezra Cornell wrote, "I would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study." For over 150 years, Cornell University has remained deeply committed to Ezra’s vision. Explain how your life experiences will help inform your contributions to a learning community devoted to “... any person … any study.” We encourage you to think broadly about your life experiences, including how local (e.g., family, school, neighborhood) or global communities you’ve been part of have helped shape your perspective. (350 word limit)

Official high school transcripts must be submitted by your high school via the Common Application. Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by English translations. We will accept English translations done by a teacher or school official. We require official high school/secondary school transcripts for grades 9–11 and 12th grade courses in-progress. Early Decision applicants are encouraged to submit first marking period grades when available. Applicants studying in an international exam-based curriculum should also submit Final exam results (for example IGCSE/GCSE, CBSE X/AISSCE X). Predicted exam results (such as IB, A-Levels) if available.

Portfolio Requirements Applicants must submit their portfolios online at Cornell AAP SlideRoom. The portfolio should consist of high-quality images of 14 pieces of work plus 6 works in response to the AAP prompts below. The media of the work represented is optional, but it is to the advantage of the applicant to include work representing several of (but not necessarily limited to) the following media: drawing, digital media, painting, photography, print media, and sculpture/installation. Applicants should choose those media that best reflect their highest level of conceptual and technical development. While there is no requirement that any particular subject or style of work be included in the portfolio, the faculty admissions committee would like to see a selection of work that has been made both independently and in school, and that reflects the applicant's creative interests at this point. AAP Prompts: 1. UNIFORM. Design a uniform that defines you. This could be a garment that liberates you, supports your creative practice, or signals what matters to your work. Present a design for a wearable garment. 2. LOST AND FOUND. Interview a person of your choice about an object they have lost that they wish they could get back. Use your skills to re-interpret the object and then give the object to the person you interviewed. It is up to you how you want to share this process with us: a photo, video, drawing, movement, etc. 3. TIME AND PLACE: For a week, take a few minutes to document either a sunrise or sunset and create artwork from the experience. You are encouraged to choose a format and medium that resonates with you. What does the sunrise or sunset mean or look like in your life? 4. SCALE AND SIZE 1. What would you like to make if you had unlimited financial resources? Describe the project in detail. Now, tell us how you would realize that idea with only $50. Like all the other prompt responses, this should display imagination rather than a labored finished work. Don't overdo it! 5. SCALE AND SIZE 2. Create a monumental gesture that fits in your pocket. 6. THE EVERYDAY: Elevate one of your daily rituals into a work of art. Acceptable file formats include image files (JPG, PNG, GIF) and video files (MOV, MWV, FLV, MP4). Portfolios will be added to all other admissions materials for review by the Department of Art admissions committee. Do not send CDs, DVDs, thumb drives, videos, cassettes, slides, or notebooks of photos. Do not send original works of art by mail. The Department of Art admissions committee will not begin to consider an application until all requirements, including a portfolio, have been submitted.

1IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/Duolingo2.SAT/ACT (Optional)